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Once a Week, vol 13, 1865 |
THE MAROONS OF JAMAICA.
In a recent number of The Times, Governor Eyre, of Jamaica, is reported to have spoken as follows:-
"To the fidelity and loyalty of the Maroons it is due that the negroes did not commit greater, devastations, and that the rebellion has not been a more protracted one. It is owing to them also, under the able leadership of their indefatigable former captain, now Colonel Fyfe, that the chief rebel leader, Paul Bogle, was captured, and that the recesses of the mountain fastnesses were searched, and the insurgents captured, destroyed, or driven from them."
A short account of these people, therefore, may not be unacceptable to our readers.
In 1655, when Jamaica was taken by the English from the Spaniards, several of the Spanish inhabitants went over to their own island of Cuba ; and, as if wishing not to be too far separated from the home whence they had been driven, they settled themselves on that line of the Cuban coast which was only twenty-four hours sail from their beloved Jamaica. Some families, however, with numerous slaves, remained at the north and northeastern part of the island.
We had not many troops at that time in Jamaica; only a sufficient number to occupy the southern coast, so that there was no one to interfere with the clustering together of these Spanish families in a town called Sevilla Nueva, which was situated near St. Ann's Bay, and which had risen to some consequence under the Spaniards.
For some time they had lived there unmolested, keeping up an intercourse with their countrymen, who had been compelled to abandon Jamaica, and who, no doubt, often cast longing looks over the wide waters towards the home whence they had been driven. At length Don Arnoldo de Sasi, the vanquished Spanish governor of Jamaica, with five hundred of the exiled Spaniards and a thousand troops from Spain, landed at Rio Nuevo, and immediately proceeded to build a fort there.
Captain Doyley, the English governor of the island, no sooner heard of this invasion than he marched up from Kingston with a body of six hundred men, attacked the Spaniards, and forced them, after a severe battle, to abandon their settlement and seek refuge in Cuba.
After this contest numbers of the Spanish slaves were missing; they had fled to the woods for shelter in different parts of the island—the great primeval woods, whose soil in many parts had never been trodden by the foot of man; and these fugitive slaves were called Maroons, or hog-hunters.
After this contest numbers of the Spanish slaves were missing; they had fled to the woods for shelter in different parts of the island—the great primeval woods, whose soil in many parts had never been trodden by the foot of man; and these fugitive slaves were called Maroons, or hog-hunters.
For many years they carried on a troublesome and desultory warfare against the English inhabitants of Jamaica, encouraging rebellion and harbouring runaway slaves. Collecting in large numbers in the mountains of Clarendon, under a chief called Juan de Bolas, they distressed the small island settlers by their nightly predatory excursions, plundering houses, destroying cattle, and carrying off slaves by force. For many years they retarded the settlement of that part of the island of Jamaica, keeping the estate-holders in continual alarm, obliging them to build their houses very much in the style of forts, with flankers and loop-holes for the purpose of firing on the assailants when they advanced too near. After the death of Juan de Bolas, they wandered about in small parties under petty leaders, but hearing that it had been decreed by the Legislature of the island to penetrate, if possible, with an armed force the recesses of the forest, and seize the marauders, they consulted together and found it necessary to elect a chief of wisdom and prudence, bold, skilful, and enterprising, and such a commander they considered they had found in a negro called Cudjoe.
He appointed his brothers Accompong and Johnny leaders under him, and in a very short time the Clarendon Maroon party became a well disciplined body of men, strong in their wood fastnesses, which could not be invaded.
All efforts to subdue them proved ineffectual: though they suffered greatly from surprises and well-projected attacks, their numbers continued to increase: for they were joined from time to time by discontented slaves, principally those imported from the Coromantee country, on the coast of Africa, a people inured to savage warfare.
All efforts to subdue them proved ineffectual: though they suffered greatly from surprises and well-projected attacks, their numbers continued to increase: for they were joined from time to time by discontented slaves, principally those imported from the Coromantee country, on the coast of Africa, a people inured to savage warfare.
Yet negroes from other tribes joined Cudjoe, the Cattawood party and the Kencuffees, in which line the succession of their chiefs continued. At this time, too, a curious set of negroes joined the Clarendon Maroons, a people concerning whose origin no actual information could be obtained. They had been imported from Africa, but their skin was of a deeper jet than that of the ordinary negro; they intermarried with the Maroons, and became a part of that body of people. Their features resembled those of the European; their hair had not the tight curl which is the peculiar characteristic of the negro, but was wavy, soft, and glossy; their form was delicate, and their stature low ; and, though evidently not possessing the hardiness and strength of nerve belonging to the negroes around them, they were less indolent in motion, and more industrious and energetic than their sable brethren. The Maroons did not confine themselves to the Clarendon district of Jamaica, but took possession of the forest-land in different parts of the island,—at Trelawny, Montigo Bay, Spring Vale, and at the eastern end of the country they had their strongholds.
Before 1730 their warfare was carried on under Cudjoe in a regular and disciplined manner. Guerilla warfare, short skirmishes with sudden attacks, was their favourite mode of fighting. They were more provident of their ammunition than the white troops. Though Cudjoe's settlements and provisions were frequently destroyed, though from time to time he was driven back into the woods, still he was not conquered. He would issue out again with his men, placing a strong guard at the mouth of the defile, and then cautiously ascending the mountain, would fire down on the enemy.
At length Cudjoe removed his seat of government from Clarendon to Trelawny, and was quite a Leonidas in his choice of position, which was at the entrance of a deep glen plentifully supplied with water, and accessible only by a very narrow defile. Hia brother Accompong he established on the northern borders of St. Elizabeth, where the country afforded plenty of cattle.
For several years the Maroons thus lived in a state of savage freedom, in indolence while their provisions lasted and ravaging the surrounding country when these were exhausted. It is said that while committing these depredations they were tolerably quiet, unless by any accident blood became visible, and then no chief had power to stay the hand of his meanest follower. So anxious did they become to destroy life while thus excited, that they were too impatient to torture their prisoner, but despatched him as speedily as possible.
This continuous and harassing warfare with the Maroons was most distressing to the inhabitants of Jamaica, and in accordance with the earnest wishes of the whole white community the Governor proposed a treaty of peace.
It was stipulated in this treaty that Cudjoe, his captains and adherents, were to enjoy a state of entire freedom, that they were to keep in their possession a large tract of land lying near Trelawny town, and be allowed peaceably to cultivate the soil and sell the produce thereof at the Jamaica markets, but that they were to be true and loyal subjects to the king, and to be ever ready to assist in putting down rebellion among the slaves.
For several years the Maroons thus lived in a state of savage freedom, in indolence while their provisions lasted and ravaging the surrounding country when these were exhausted. It is said that while committing these depredations they were tolerably quiet, unless by any accident blood became visible, and then no chief had power to stay the hand of his meanest follower. So anxious did they become to destroy life while thus excited, that they were too impatient to torture their prisoner, but despatched him as speedily as possible.
This continuous and harassing warfare with the Maroons was most distressing to the inhabitants of Jamaica, and in accordance with the earnest wishes of the whole white community the Governor proposed a treaty of peace.
It was stipulated in this treaty that Cudjoe, his captains and adherents, were to enjoy a state of entire freedom, that they were to keep in their possession a large tract of land lying near Trelawny town, and be allowed peaceably to cultivate the soil and sell the produce thereof at the Jamaica markets, but that they were to be true and loyal subjects to the king, and to be ever ready to assist in putting down rebellion among the slaves.
Dr. Russell was chosen to conduct the treaty with this singular and wild people. They were tired of war, and Cudjoe had sense to know that the proposal of the British Government was by no means a disadvantageous one. Yet the Maroons could not quite trust the white men; so ^Cudjoe collected his force, and cautiously awaited the approach of the peace-makers—for Dr. Russell was accompanied by two friends. The negro chief had chosen a spot favourable for immediate action should anything like treachery be intended on the part of the English. Hia men were placed on a broad mountain ledge, the extremity narrowing into a passage, upon which the fire of the whole body might bear. In one of those deep dells, quite in the background, the women and children were concealed, and their valuable things deposited under the earth. Dr. Russell went forward alone, and begged to see Cudjoe. The chief soon appeared,—a short, very stout man, with strongly-marked African features, and a peculiar wildness in his manners. He had a large hump on his back, partly covered by the tattered remnant of an old blue coat, for he wore no shirt; a pair of loose trousers not reaching to his knees, and a small round hat without any rim, completed his eccentric costume. On his right aide hung a horn with some powder in it, and a bag of large cut slugs. Under his left arm, supported by a narrow strap that went round his shoulder, was a mushat or short broadsword, and his person, clothes, and accoutrements were all soiled and stained with the red-brown earth of that part of the country. Dr. Russell was soon joined by his friend Col. Guthrie, who offered to change hats with Cudjoe as a token of friendship. To this he agreed, and at length timidly entered into conversation with the deputy, persuading some of his men to come down from the rooks and stand by him, keeping possession of their arms.
Cudjoe then threw himself on the ground, embracing the white men's legs, kissing their feet, and asking their pardon. All his habitual ferocity seemed to have forsaken him, and he was at once humble, penitent, and abject. His men made many attestations of joy when they found they were to be friends with the white people.
Under a large cotton tree, growing in the middle of the town, the treaty was signed, aft'ir which, with a few occasional outhreaks, the Maroons went on very well, assisting the white men to discover runaway slaves ; and their help in this matter was invaluable, from the ease with which they traversed the woods. In 1795 the Maroon war broke out, but they were not all disloyal, for the Accompong Maroons—those who had had for their leader Cudjoe's brother Accompong—stood by the white men with unswerving courage, as did also other companies of this extraordinary set of people.
I cannot enter into all the details of this war. Although Lord Balcarres, the governor, had 1500 regular troops under his command, and some thousands of militia, yet the nature of the country distressed them in their marches; while to the Maroon, rock or precipice, tangled wood or slippery steep, presented no obstacle whatever, and their forest fastnesses were impregnable. The guerilla warfare cut off our men in numbers, and the public mind, considerably agitated by the great revolution in France and the state of affairs in St. Domingo, was very much in fear of a revolt of the slaves throughout the island.
At this crisis, a commander of the Spanish chasseurs offered, with a few of his men, accompanied by their Cuba dogs, to bring in the rebellious Maroons from their strongholds in the heart of the great forest.
Under a large cotton tree, growing in the middle of the town, the treaty was signed, aft'ir which, with a few occasional outhreaks, the Maroons went on very well, assisting the white men to discover runaway slaves ; and their help in this matter was invaluable, from the ease with which they traversed the woods. In 1795 the Maroon war broke out, but they were not all disloyal, for the Accompong Maroons—those who had had for their leader Cudjoe's brother Accompong—stood by the white men with unswerving courage, as did also other companies of this extraordinary set of people.
I cannot enter into all the details of this war. Although Lord Balcarres, the governor, had 1500 regular troops under his command, and some thousands of militia, yet the nature of the country distressed them in their marches; while to the Maroon, rock or precipice, tangled wood or slippery steep, presented no obstacle whatever, and their forest fastnesses were impregnable. The guerilla warfare cut off our men in numbers, and the public mind, considerably agitated by the great revolution in France and the state of affairs in St. Domingo, was very much in fear of a revolt of the slaves throughout the island.
At this crisis, a commander of the Spanish chasseurs offered, with a few of his men, accompanied by their Cuba dogs, to bring in the rebellious Maroons from their strongholds in the heart of the great forest.
These dogs were well broken in: that is to say, they never killed the object they pursued, unless they were resisted. On reaching a fugitive negro they barked at him till he stood still ; then, crouching near him, terrified him by growls whenever he attempted to move, at the same time barking occasionally to give notice to the chasseurs of their success, who, when they arrived, easily secured their prisoners.
When the Maroons found that they had lost the security of the woods, they surrendered in vast numbers. Many of them were sent to Nova Scotia, the people there engaging them in a kind of apprenticeship.
The very first winter that these negroes spent in Nova Scotia was one of unusual severity. While it lasted the Maroons were housed, fed, and kept warm, amusing themselves sometimes throughout the whole day by playing at cards. However, when the warmer weather came, softening the streams and smiling on the pastures, the Maroon was unwilling to work, in many instances sulkily refusing to do so.
This state of things could not be continued, and the negroes were sent off to Sierra Leone, the Maroons in Africa having consented to receive them.
When the Maroons found that they had lost the security of the woods, they surrendered in vast numbers. Many of them were sent to Nova Scotia, the people there engaging them in a kind of apprenticeship.
The very first winter that these negroes spent in Nova Scotia was one of unusual severity. While it lasted the Maroons were housed, fed, and kept warm, amusing themselves sometimes throughout the whole day by playing at cards. However, when the warmer weather came, softening the streams and smiling on the pastures, the Maroon was unwilling to work, in many instances sulkily refusing to do so.
This state of things could not be continued, and the negroes were sent off to Sierra Leone, the Maroons in Africa having consented to receive them.
For some little time Jamaica was tranquil, but in 1798 a band of runaway slaves formed themselves into a body under a negro leader called Cuffee. Their stronghold was in the heights of the Trelawny mountains. The banditti gradually increased, and excited the greatest alarm in the country.
Lord Balcarres convoked the Assembly, sending against the rebels that kind of force which effectually dispersed them. He ordered that the Accompong Maroons should accompany the militia, "for," said he, "they are a body of men who have ever remained faithful to their King and country."
The Maroons still keep up a distinct character among the negroes in Jamaica, and the descendants of the Accompong Maroons are at the present time among the bravest in warfare engaged in putting down this dreadful rebellion. Strange that Governor Eyre bears testimony to their good conduct in words of the same import as those spoken by Lord Balcarres full seventy years ago. L.
Lord Balcarres convoked the Assembly, sending against the rebels that kind of force which effectually dispersed them. He ordered that the Accompong Maroons should accompany the militia, "for," said he, "they are a body of men who have ever remained faithful to their King and country."
The Maroons still keep up a distinct character among the negroes in Jamaica, and the descendants of the Accompong Maroons are at the present time among the bravest in warfare engaged in putting down this dreadful rebellion. Strange that Governor Eyre bears testimony to their good conduct in words of the same import as those spoken by Lord Balcarres full seventy years ago. L.
making a treaty with the Maroons
Once a Week. London: [Bradbury and Evans 1859-1869], [James Rice 1869-1873], [George Manville Fenn 1873-1880].
Following their break with Charles Dickens over his cancellation of Household Words in 1859, publishers Bradbury and Evans launched Once a Week to compete with Dickens' new magazine, All the Year Round. The weekly illustrated miscellany first appeared in July of 1859, under the editorship of Samuel Lucas, and sold for three pence. Remembered now for the quality of its illustrations (by notables such as Hablot K. Browne, Holman Hunt, Keene, Leech, Millais, Sandys, and Tenniel),Once a Week never offered Dickens any strong competition from a literary or economic standpoint. However, it did publish Meredith's Evan Harrington, Charles Reade's The Good Fight, and occasional poems by Tennyson, Swinburne, and Rossetti, as well as important work by women writers like Harriet Martineau, Isabella Blagden, and M.E. Braddon. Once a Week ceased publication in 1880, following the slow but steady decline that characterized its fortunes from the beginning.
Following their break with Charles Dickens over his cancellation of Household Words in 1859, publishers Bradbury and Evans launched Once a Week to compete with Dickens' new magazine, All the Year Round. The weekly illustrated miscellany first appeared in July of 1859, under the editorship of Samuel Lucas, and sold for three pence. Remembered now for the quality of its illustrations (by notables such as Hablot K. Browne, Holman Hunt, Keene, Leech, Millais, Sandys, and Tenniel),Once a Week never offered Dickens any strong competition from a literary or economic standpoint. However, it did publish Meredith's Evan Harrington, Charles Reade's The Good Fight, and occasional poems by Tennyson, Swinburne, and Rossetti, as well as important work by women writers like Harriet Martineau, Isabella Blagden, and M.E. Braddon. Once a Week ceased publication in 1880, following the slow but steady decline that characterized its fortunes from the beginning.
